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2008 American Youth Horse Council
Written By: Blake Everette, TWHYA President
Recently, the Tennessee Walking Horse Youth Association undertook the task of attending the American Youth Horse Council Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina. The seminar was held in conjunction with North Carolina State University and was held February 29- March 2. The Symposium commenced with a welcome reception followed by networking roundtable sessions covering topics relevant to the youth horse industry. Sessions that were aimed at youth attendees included “College and Horses: Making the Best Choice for Your Future” presented by Kathy Anderson of the University of Nebraska, and a panel discussion on preparing for a career in the horse industry. Presentations that offered take home tools and activities for leaders included “4-H Mounted Games” presented by Bernadine Wiesen of Cornell Cooperative Extension in New York and “Horsin’ Around without Horses: Activities for your Horseless Horse Members,” presented by Dr. Jennifer Nadeau and Emily McCabe Alger of the University of Connecticut”.
Over three hundred youth from coast to coast came to partake in this session. The Tennessee Walking Horse Youth Association was well represented with officers Blake Everett, Courtney Hicks, Kelly Mendez, Mary Jo Williams, Patrick Sullivan, and Stephanie Harris in attendance. In addition, the Walking Horse Owners’ Youth Association represented by their current slate of officers and president Sterling Phillips attended the symposium. Accordingly, the colloquium attracted the attention of other Tennessee Walking Horse Youth. We were able to meet the Tennessee Walking Horse Association of North Carolina which had seven other members that attended.
Moreover, the journey allowed us to meet various equine groups such as the National High School Rodeo officers, American Quarter Horse Youth Association, and numerous 4-H organizations. The culmination of different breeds and ideals played an intricate role in developing key leadership skills. From the inception, we were paired with people of different factions, assigned a topic that we each discussed in our groups, and proposed solutions to the problem at hand. This year the topic pertained to the loss of equine property that is used for pasture and recreation. We proposed ideas for creating a safeguard against industry and commercial development. At the concluding session, we stood before the audience and lobbied our positions and ideals.
Through teen building programs, exhibit booths, a silent auction, Youth Leaders Celebration Awards Banquet and pre-conference events including a tour of North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine and a day in beautiful Southern Pines, North Carolina rounded out a fun-filled and educational weekend in North Carolina!
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